Leeds to build hybrid-cloud shared services platform

City seeks IT partner to build platform for use across the public sector – and possibly the third sector too

Public and third sector bodies across the city of Leeds could potentially use the platform once it goes live next year Credit: PA

Leeds is looking to create a hybrid cloud-based shared services platform which both public bodies and, potentially, third sector organisations can use to help deliver their services.

The City (Shared) Strategy Architecture and Commissioning (CSAC) body is looking for suppliers to bid for a five-year contract to support the project’s rollout, and the subsequent migration of public bodies onto the platform. The intention is for the chosen supplier to begin work in December, with the platform scheduled to go live by the end of May 2018.

In delivering the project, CSAC will work alongside Leeds City Council (LCC) and other government organisations across the West Yorkshire city.

“LCC needs to acquire this scalable capability that will consist of a common set of ICT and business management components/standards because parts of its existing core infrastructure are reaching end of life,” the council said. “By sourcing this common shared platform and service capability, this can be used by LCC but also offered to other partners across the city. This will ensure best returns for all parties by establishing a set of generic shared service components based on achieving business outcomes.”

The council said that a range public sector entities, including in the NHS, will be able to use the platform. It may also be opened up for use by partner organisations in the third sector.

The platform will consist of two strands: the underlying software and IT hardware; and the business services offered through the vehicle. The platform will adopt a hybrid model, using both LCC’s existing datacentre infrastructure, as well as the public cloud. A backup facility will be provided by another datacentre, managed by a commercial partner, that the council will acquire via a separate tender.

“The ongoing operation and management of the platform will be led by LCC working with partners,” said the council. “There will be individual projects required to on-board/migrate organisations on to the platform over time. It is expected that the successful contractor will work with LCC and others to design the on-boarding process and will assist with the early migration(s).”